Amber Cundiff, IMH-E
Lebanon,TN
Summary
Dynamic and results-oriented professional with a proven track record in driving innovations and fostering evidence-based practices in the field of early childhood development. Possessing expertise in evidence based home visiting implementation and program monitoring, excelling in designing and executing strategies that enhance the effectiveness of early childhood prevention programs. Having a background in training and technical support enables skills that empower teams and individuals to achieve their full potential, while passion for professional development ensures the creation of impactful training programs tailored to the needs of early childhood practitioners. With a strong commitment to quality and continuous improvement, a blend of creativity, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of best practices is brought to every project.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
State Advisor, Kindergarten Readiness
Save The Children US Programs
09.2022 - Current
- Assisted in developing of TN specific training materials for new Lead Associates, improving overall team performance.
- Implemented innovative brand awareness strategies to increase STC visibility within local communities and generate leads.
- Mentored Lead Associates, fostering professional growth and building strong team dynamics.
- Established trusted partnerships with key industry influencers in TN, expanding company's network of resources and contacts.
- Identified areas of improvement for program operations, implementing targeted solutions to increase high performing sites.
- Advised Lead Associates on change management strategies to ensure smooth transitions during periods of organizational transformation.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to successfully deliver comprehensive solutions for programs.
- Educated staff on organizational mission and goals to help employees achieve success.
- Designed tailored training programs for employees at various levels within the organization, boosting overall skillsets.
- Exercised leadership capabilities by successfully motivating and inspiring others.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in early childhood education and family support.
- Conducted ongoing evaluations of program effectiveness using results-based accountability measures, refining interventions as needed to maximize impact on participating families.
- Improved child development outcomes by implementing research-based early intervention strategies.
- Developed individualized training plans to achieve staff readiness.
- Promoted a culture of continuous learning within the organization by advocating for ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Maximized grant funding by meticulously analyzing and evaluating grant performance outcomes and distribution of funding in partnership with the State Director.
- Assisted in budget development for funded projects, ensuring effective use of resources while meeting objectives.
- Maintained accurate records of all KR specific grants awarded, allowing for efficient tracking and quarterly reporting on outcomes.
Lead Associate, Early Childhood Program
Save the Children US Programs
06.2018 - 09.2022
- Provide training and technical assistance to existing and new start up Early Steps and Kindergarten Readiness sites across 7 counties in West/Middle/East TN
- Partner with districts to provide support and partnership so all programming can reach full enrollment and operate at full capacity
- Oversee and assist in monitoring Early Steps/KR spending and budgeting
- This also includes communication between district finance and the site supervisor to ensure all spending is on track throughout the year
- Support the state level team with partner management by arranging and executing partner planning meetings, stakeholder meetings, VIP visits, budget and cost share discussions, staffing concerns.
- Mentored new lead associates, providing guidance on best practices and professional development opportunities.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to gather requirements, establish project objectives, and set expectations for deliverables.
- Volunteered to help with special projects of varying degrees of complexity.
Family Support Worker for Believing in Beginnings
The Center for Children's Services a Division of Aunt Martha's
02.2017 - 05.2018
- Utilizing the EBHV Healthy Families America national home visiting model to plan and implement home based services for high risk, low income, and first or second time adult parents
- Implemented evidence-based interventions designed to reduce risk factors associated with child abuse or neglect.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the provision of holistic care for families in need.
- Enhanced family stability by providing comprehensive support and resources tailored to individual needs.
- Screen, assess and refer for social determinants of health (domestic violence, prenatal drug use, social support network, home safety, income, employment, etc.)
- Screen and refer all Birth to 3 children in the home for developmental delays
- Partner with parents to develop Family Goals or Individual Family Support Plans
- Coordinate care with outside agencies to assist in a successful hand off of referrals for family
- Plan, coordinate, and execute Parent Groups and Family Field Trips
- Document in a timely manner all services provided to the families as required by the agency, funder and model.
Program Manager for Parents Too Soon Home Visiting Program
The Center for Children's Services a Division of Aunt Martha's
05.2013 - 02.2017
- Supervise and provide oversight of 10 staff with direct supervision of 6, this included a Doula Supervisor and Home Visitors
- Create an environment of reflective supervision for all staff
- Managed and supervised administrative and daily program operations, complying with policies and regulations.
- Implemented risk management strategies to mitigate potential barriers to project success.
- Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
- Coordinate team meetings and trainings to expand each staff's areas of strengths and growth
- Develop and oversee the Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Grant and Illinois Department of Human Services Parents Too Soon program plans in collaboration with The Ounce of Prevention Fund
- Monitor Parents as Teachers model fidelity through quality assurance checks and technical assistance with funder
- Develop program Policies and Procedures that focus on insuring program fidelity and safety of staff/families served
- Create, oversee and manage the fiscal year program budget/purchasing/funder grant reports
- Manage data input for program outcomes and indicators
- Aggregate data for quarterly and annual funder reports
- Oversee program quality and outcomes through continuous quality improvement
- On-board and train all new Home Visiting and Doula staff
- Plan and implement outreach efforts marketing Home Visiting Services in Vermilion County through local and statewide partnerships
- Work with The Ounce of Prevention Advocacy department to push local and statewide “Early Childhood” initiatives through advocacy efforts
- Participated in grant required and voluntary research studies around home visiting and reduction of childhood abuse.
Parents Too Soon MIECHV Home Visitor Supervisor
The Center for Children's Services a Division of Aunt Martha's
12.2012 - 05.2013
- Directly supervise all Parents as Teachers Home Visiting staff
- Create an environment of reflective supervision for all staff
- On-board and train all new Home Visiting staff
- Work alongside the New Parent Support department Director to oversee all home visiting documentation and data.
- Developed and maintained accurate records of programs and services.
- Developed and maintained relationships with community organizations and agencies.
- Collaborated with various stakeholders to promote social services.
- Participated in meetings with stakeholders to discuss program objectives and strategies.
- Monitored and evaluated impact of social services on community.
- Conducted ongoing evaluations of program effectiveness using results-based accountability measures, refining interventions as needed to maximize impact on participating families.
- Supervised new Home Visitors to ensure consistent delivery of high-quality services across the program.
Home Visitor (Parents Too Soon Teen Parenting)
The Center for Children's Services a Division of Aunt Martha's
03.2010 - 03.2011
- Utilizing the EBHV Parents as Teachers national home visiting model/curriculum to plan and implement home based services for Teen Parents
- Facilitated evidence-based parenting workshops, equipping parents with the tools to foster healthy child development.
- Advocated for family needs within the community, fostering a support network of resources and services tailored to individual circumstances.
- Provided crisis intervention when necessary, connecting families with appropriate supports and resources to address immediate needs.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in early childhood education and family support.
- Strengthened parent-child relationships through modeling effective communication and interaction techniques.
- Documented all interactions accurately in case files following agency protocols, ensuring data integrity for reporting purposes.
- Empowered parents as their child''s first teacher through coaching on age-appropriate activities that foster cognitive growth.
- Recruited families and built positive relationships with parents in order to support parenting roles.
- Promoted school readiness by addressing the individual needs of each child in the areas of cognition, language, social-emotional, and physical development.
4-5 Year Old Preschool Teacher
Danville Christian Academy
08.2007 - 03.2010
- Taught an average class size of 8 students
- Developing and implementing developmentally appropriate early childhood lesson plans
- Coordinating alongside co-teacher on the structure of classroom activates
- Providing a safe and stimulating center based learning environment for children
- Encouraging parent involvement through field trips, school time parties and music programs.
- Gave one-on-one attention to children while maintaining overall focus on entire group.
- Supported students in developing self-esteem and self-confidence.
- Observed children to identify individuals in need of additional support and developed strategies to improve assistance.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Educated students in foundational concepts such as shapes, numbers, and letters.
- Worked with teaching staff to evaluate individual progress and recommend appropriate learning plans.
Education
Master of Arts - Mental Health Counseling
Southern New Hampshire University
Asynchronous Online And In Person Program12.2025
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Liberty University
Distance Learning Program01.2018
Associate of Applied Science - Psychology
Danville Area Community College
Danville, IL05.2006
Skills
- Staff Management
- Strategic Planning
- Curriculum Design
- Technical training
- Program Monitoring and Tracking
- Coaching and Development
- Grant Research
- Funding Strategies
- Partnership Development
Certification
- Mental Health First Aid: Adult Instructor (1/2022)
- Association of Infant Mental Health Tennessee: Infant Family Professional (3/2022)
- Parent Educator Certified with Parents as Teachers National Model
- Healthy Families America Core Model Trained: Integrated Strategies and Parent Survey
- Motivational Interviewing
- Erikson Institute Reflective Supervision and the Fussy Baby Approach (both as a direct service staff and as a supervisor)
- All other professional development trainings available upon request.
Workshop Presentations
- 2015 Prevent Child Abuse Illinois Conference: Balancing Act: Staying reflective in the midst of requirements
- 2022 NAEYC Annual Conference: Connection Crisis: Innovative strategies to pandemic consequences
- 2022 STC Tennessee Summit: It Takes a Village: Addressing ACES and creating resilience through Positive Childhood Experiences and Community Involvement
Timeline
State Advisor, Kindergarten Readiness
Save The Children US Programs
09.2022 - Current
Lead Associate, Early Childhood Program
Save the Children US Programs
06.2018 - 09.2022
Family Support Worker for Believing in Beginnings
The Center for Children's Services a Division of Aunt Martha's
02.2017 - 05.2018
Program Manager for Parents Too Soon Home Visiting Program
The Center for Children's Services a Division of Aunt Martha's
05.2013 - 02.2017
Parents Too Soon MIECHV Home Visitor Supervisor
The Center for Children's Services a Division of Aunt Martha's
12.2012 - 05.2013
Home Visitor (Parents Too Soon Teen Parenting)
The Center for Children's Services a Division of Aunt Martha's
03.2010 - 03.2011
4-5 Year Old Preschool Teacher
Danville Christian Academy
08.2007 - 03.2010
Master of Arts - Mental Health Counseling
Southern New Hampshire University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Liberty University
Associate of Applied Science - Psychology
Danville Area Community College
- Mental Health First Aid: Adult Instructor (1/2022)
- Association of Infant Mental Health Tennessee: Infant Family Professional (3/2022)
- Parent Educator Certified with Parents as Teachers National Model
- Healthy Families America Core Model Trained: Integrated Strategies and Parent Survey
- Motivational Interviewing
- Erikson Institute Reflective Supervision and the Fussy Baby Approach (both as a direct service staff and as a supervisor)
- All other professional development trainings available upon request.
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